Providence police officer accused of punching Senate candidate during rally pleads not guilty

Amy Russo, The Providence Journal
·2 min read
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Jeann Lugo, the Providence police officer accused of punching state Senate candidate Jennifer Rourke at an abortion-rights protest last month, pleaded not guilty to criminal charges on Friday.

Lugo is charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct. He appeared before Judge Melissa DuBose, and his bail has been set at $2,000. He remains released on his own recognizance.

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Lugo and his attorney, Daniel Griffin, had no comment before or after the hearing. The hearing was wrapped up within a matter of a few minutes, and Lugo and Griffin exited the courtroom quickly.

The assault took place on the night of June 24 when hundreds of demonstrators gathered around the steps of the State House to rally in opposition to the Supreme Court's decision to end the constitutional right to abortion.

A man named Josh Mello appears to have been heckling people in the crowd, then a group of protesters gathered around him and told him to leave. As the group grew in size, an unidentified man in a green jacked punched Mello. Various angles of video captured and posted on social media appear to show Lugo pursuing the green jacketed man when Rourke looks as if she is attempting to restrain Lugo. He later turns around and punches her in the face repeatedly. At the time, Lugo was also running for state Senate in District 29, making him Rourke's competitor. He dropped out of the race shortly after the assault.

State police ask for the public's help

Shortly before Friday's hearing, state police asked for the public's help in identifying the green-jacketed man. Anyone with information is asked to call the Lincoln Barracks at (401) 444-1000. Tips are taken anonymously.

Rhode Island State Police are asking for the public's help identifying this man.
Rhode Island State Police are asking for the public's help identifying this man.

Apart from the hearing, Lugo is also awaiting a hearing with Providence police to determine whether he will be able to keep his job. Lugo, a three-year veteran of the department, will receive the hearing as part of a process outlined by the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. Three current or retired officers are part of the hearing. In accordance with LEOBOR, one will be chosen by the police department, another will be picked by Lugo, and then the department and Lugo will select a third. However, if they cannot agree, the presiding Superior Court justice will choose.

Chief Col. Hugh Clements already recommended that Lugo be terminated in a scathing report that stated Lugo has brought "dishonor, discredit, embarrassment, and reputational harm to the Providence Police Department."

The Providence Journal is awaiting announcement of the hearing date. Police spokeswoman Lindsay Lague said, "Pursuant to the state law, it is on hold until the criminal case is adjudicated."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence police officer Jeann Lugo pleads not guilty to assault